College Culture 101 Presented by the Walker Center for Academic Excellence

What does it mean to be an adult learner? Autonomous and self-directed Life experiences and knowledge Goal-oriented Relevancy-oriented Practical Expectation of respect

What does it mean to be a college student? Classes should be viewed as a job – treat this like any other professional endeavor View instructors like your boss and deal with conflicts in a similar manner Have knowledge of the institution and its mission Make sure to understand and utilize the support that is provided and available to you

Before Classes Start – Financial Aid Before anything else you need to fill out FAFSA if you would like aid  There are three main types of aid  Loans Must pay back  Grants  Out of Pocket Always ask questions if you don’t understand any part of your aid

Registration Process my.peirce.edu  Log-in and password provided at registration Check sheet and transfer evaluation  From Program Advising  Follow this for course planning Common Vocabulary  Drop  Withdrawal  Pre-registered

Courses - FAQs How much time should I spend on each class? 3 hours of work for every hour of course time 3 credit courses are considered 3 hours long Students should invest at least 12 hours per week into their 3 credit courses How many courses are needed to graduate? Associate’s – 61 credits Bachelor’s – between 121 and 124 credits

Importance of GPA GPA provides a clue regarding the success of your academics Dean’s List: 3.7 – 3.99 President’s List: or above  This is a “B” average or above. This is generally what is sought after by employers  Some Honor’s Society require this, others require higher Higher GPA indicates higher level of understanding of material

GPA – What to avoid Below 2.0  After 1 semester – Academic Probation  After 2 consecutive semesters – Academic Dismissal  Combined for all courses taken in a semester Grade of “F”  This is a “0” in GPA  Results in not receiving credit for course “C” or better courses  Like an “F” a grade below a “C” will not be counted towards total credits needed

Student Handbook Be familiar with the handbook Encompasses all rules and regulations of Peirce College Reference the handbook regarding any questions of policy Process for dealing with academic grievances  Do NOT hesitate – act immediately on these

Library Services Be sure to utilize services and have an orientation Access to databases Knowledgeable staff to assist in research and citations Contact   GO-PEIRCE, x9269 Hours  Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM  Friday: 8:30 AM - 7 PM  Saturday: 10 AM - 4 PM Located on the 7th floor of College Hall

Tutoring What is it? Assistance in understanding difficult or new concepts Support Tutors will not do your work for you Who can utilize it? All students in every major Beneficial regardless of your GPA

Advising – Meet with your Advisor Why? Follows your progress and schedule Soundboard to your academic life Advisor has your best interests in mind Can be your voice for any concerns Your point of contact for important Peirce news How? Whatever is most convenient for you, in person, phone, and

Tips for Online Learners Time Management  Schedule time for class like an on-campus class Set Boundaries  Inform family members when you cannot be disturbed for class Be in touch with your advisor Do NOT procrastinate on class material  If you do not understand material you want to have time to ask questions or seek help Utilize Peirce’s Services

Final Points Always question anything you do not understand Pay attention to Peirce mail Always take responsibility for your work and course material

Questions? Any final questions or comments? Contact the Walker Center for Academic Excellence at or 888-GO- PEIRCE x9251 or stop by the 2 nd floor of Alumni